Something happens when you turn 40. Scientists tell us that our hormones change, our activity levels change, and our eating habits may change. Whatever it is, I think that one random night after your fortieth birthday, you gain thirty pounds. I’m gonna come right out and say it. Losing weight after 40 is challenging. It just sucks. So let’s get to how we can make it easier.
Following the Ketogenic Way of Eating
I don’t like calling it the keto diet (though that is the common term), because, in reality, it’s not a diet. It’s a hardcore lifestyle change. When someone adopts the keto way of eating, they are changing their relationship with food. Most of us have spent our entire lives thinking the wrong things about food, and keto forces us to change that.
Keto forces to change how we view food because, at least in the beginning, it’s really important that you track your macros. You have to learn how your body uses food as fuel and which foods work the best for you to fuel your body in a healthy way. We’ve spent our lives eating the cheeseburger with all the fixings and onion rings on the side because it tasted good, not because it was the best way to fuel our body. Keto teaches us to find the best way to fuel our bodies (while not ignoring the importance of great tasting food!).
Exercise
I know, you don’t want to hear this, but after forty, it’s essential that you change up your exercise. I recently had a chat with a friend of mine. When she first started keto, she joined all of these Facebook groups to learn more about the keto diet. Everyone was talking about the importance of exercise, and at the top of everyone’s list was squats. But when you’re over forty, squats sometimes sound like that bag of popcorn in the microwave. Those kinds of exercise aren’t always sustainable for people over forty.
But no matter what kind of exercise you do, you’re going to need to move. You want to make sure you do some cardio, even if it’s low impact. Whether it’s walking the dog, or going to the gym and getting on the treadmill, get that heart rate up. You should also experiment with some weight training; squats may not be the best choice for you, especially if your knees sound like you’re popping bubble wrap when you stand up. However, some weight training will help you tone up your body, especially as you lose weight.
Increase Your Water Intake
You’re not drinking enough water. I’m certain of it. Most of us don’t drink enough water. When we’re trying to lose weight, we usually need to drink even more. Get in the habit of carrying a refillable water bottle with you, and fill it (and finish it) as often as possible. I use a cup with a lid when I’m running errands, and an insulated bottle when I’m going to be gone all day.
Lay off the Booze
It pains me to say this, it really does. If you have spent any time at all in my Intentionally Bare Facebook group, you’ve probably figured out that I enjoy a cocktail every now and again. My drink of choice these days is vodka; it’s carb-free, so I can indulge without guilt.
But consuming alcohol while you’re on the keto diet is about more than just carb counts. First of all, you’re going to get more drunk with less alcohol when you’re on keto. So if you’re celebrating with a cocktail, remember to start off slowly and gauge your response to the alcohol. You could end up really drunk with just a few drinks!
The other factor is that when you drink alcohol, your body stops burning fat to burn the alcohol. So with every drink you have, you’re not processing fat. You may find your weight loss slows if you drink too often, and you may also find that you don’t stay in ketosis when you’ve been drinking.
Manage Your Supplements
When you’re over forty and trying to lose weight, you may need some extra help in the weight loss department. I highly suggest Keto BHBs (US | Canada). They will help you beat that mid-afternoon slump that seems to get worse as you get older. You’ll also need to make sure that you are taking a multi-vitamin. Your oil of choice needs to be a Medium Chain Triglyceride. It will make your body function more efficiently. I carry 3 Organic MCT Oils in our Intentionally Bare line of products.
Forgive Yourself
Listen. Losing weight after 40 is difficult. That doesn’t mean that you need to beat yourself up when it doesn’t go the way you think it will. There might be cheat days. You may fall off the wagon. You may fall off the wagon, drag it out into the back yard, and set it on fire. And all of that will be okay.
You may feel mad at yourself because you let yourself be unhealthy or overweight for so long. You may feel like it’s too late. You may feel like you ‘deserve’ to be overweight because of something in your past. None of this is true. It’s never too late to start (or start over). It’s okay that you waited. You are ready now, and being mentally ready to commit to weight loss is a huge part of the battle. And no one deserves to be unhealthy. No one. Yesterday was yesterday. All you can control is what you do from this moment forward.
Do you need some support or inspiration on your keto weight loss journey? I’ve got just the place for you! Stop by my Facebook group and meet me. You’ll join thousands of other people who have been where you are! We’d love to meet you!
You got this!
Leta ~ Intentionally Bare
❗️Health information given here is based on public research and is not meant to take the place of your doctor's advice. Always do your own research and discuss it with your health practitioner before trying a new diet, supplement or exercise plan